But sources close to key cast members say the bonus is not
likely to head off pressure from the actors for the
Disney-owned studio to renegotiate their original series deals
at a higher pay rate in light of the show's meteoric ratings
spike this past season. Indeed, ABC hopes the medical drama
will reinvigorate the network's fortunes on Thursday with its
bold move of the show to the 9 p.m. slot in the fall.

Touchstone TV, which declined comment on the "Grey's"
bonuses, has a history of giving cash bonuses to the ensemble
casts of its hit series. In early 2005, the studio rewarded the
principal cast members of "Desperate Housewives" with bonuses
said to be about $250,000 each four months into the run of the
show. The "Desperate Housewives" actors also received salary
bumps. Meanwhile, in January, the "Lost" gang received salary
increases, with Matthew Fox also getting a bonus.